Ventura Domestic Partnership Attorneys
California Domestic Partnership Laws
Provisions governing California domestic partnerships can be found in the California Family Code. A domestic partnership is established when two parties meet certain criteria as specified by these laws.
How Can I Form a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?
To form a registered domestic partnership, each individual needs to file a Declaration of Domestic Partnership and fulfill the following criteria:
- Both individuals are 18 years old (some exceptions are allowed)
- The individuals cannot be blood related
- Both individuals cannot be married or in another domestic partnership
- Both individuals must consent to the domestic partnership
- Both are members of the same sex or one or both is/are eligible for Social Security benefits and over *62 years old (this has been updated – see below)
*Governor Newsom signed a bill on July 30, 2019 redefining who is eligible for a registered domestic partnership, allowing opposite-sex couples under the age of 62 the option to form such a partnership. This new law was put into effect on January 1, 2020.
How Can I Terminate a Registered Domestic Partnership in California?
A domestic partnership can also be terminated under certain conditions. All these conditions are set forth in the California Family Code and must be met or the domestic partnership will be terminated through proceedings in California Superior Court.
California Domestic Partnerships & Same-Sex Marriages
The California Supreme Court issued a major decision on May 15, 2008 regarding same-sex marriages, which did not invalidate or change any of the California Family Code statutes related to registered domestic partners.
- Registered domestic partnerships will continue to be active on California’s domestic partnership registry.
- The California Secretary of State will continue to process domestic partnership-related filings as permitted by the domestic partnership law.
If you have questions about how the California Supreme Court’s decision may apply to your circumstances, contact us online.
How Domestic Partnership Separations Work
A domestic partnership separation is treated just like a typical divorce. However, regardless of the situation, you should find an experienced attorney who has helped people with their child support, child custody, visitation, and/or property division case.
Do Registered Domestic Partners Have the Same Legal Rights as Spouses in California?
California law states that Registered Domestic Partners have many of the same rights as spouses. These rights include:
- The ability to add a partner to state-administered health insurance benefits
- The right to inheritance, should one partner die
- The ability to raise a child born during the partnership
- The ability to adopt a child born before the partnership
- The right to own community property
- The ability to take their domestic partner’s last name or combine their last names
How Our Ventura Domestic Partnership Lawyers Can Serve You
At SANTO MEHAS, negotiated settlement is always our preferred method of choice. In the event this is not possible, we are also able to help litigate your domestic partnership in court.
We take pride in the way we communicate and serve our clients. With us, there will always be someone available at our office to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Fill out a contact us form online or give us a call at (805) 222-7818 for help with your domestic partnership case.

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Helping Families in Ventura Through Life's Difficult Choices
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Holistic Approach
We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.
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Collaboration
Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.
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Children Come First
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
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Compassionate Legal Services
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.